Golng Cold Turkey: Splash for cash tomorrow at Children's Beach

By Joshua Balling

Wednesday

Nov 25, 2009 at 2:00 AM

I&M Assistant Editor

Freezin’ for a reason. The thrill of the chill. Splashing for cash. Call it what you want, but there’s really only one reason to get out of bed Thursday morning if you’re not the one entrusted to put the turkey in the oven: The Cold Turkey Plunge to benefit the Atheneum’s Weezie Children’s library.

The eighth annual Plunge – where hundreds of brave (or crazy) swimmers will hit the water off Children’s Beach as hundreds more cheer them on (or openly mock their insanity) – is set for 10 a.m. Organizers hope to raise $50,000.

The event – modeled on a Christmas Day plunge in Skerries, Ireland – raised about $38,000 its first year. It has brought in about $50,000 each year since. The money is earmarked for programs like music, creative movement and yoga classes, and appearances by storytellers and musicians, said Bess Clarke, the Atheneum’s development director.

Plunge organizers are counting on the usual enthusiastic turnout that has seen between 250-300 plungers and 800-900 spectators Thursday morning. Now more than ever, their generosity is needed, Clarke said.

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